The Newbern Police Department is raising a flag on a scam that's been making the rounds, particularly targeting the bereaved—individuals pretending to be from Johnson-Williams Funeral Home and asking for payments over the phone for funeral services. The Newbern Police Department - TN took to social media to get the word out and give residents a heads up on how to handle such calls.
The police department's warning comes after reports that residents have been receiving unsolicited phone calls from scammers posing as representatives of the local funeral home. These calls are not only invasive but are capitalizing on individuals going through a time of loss. The actual staff from Johnson-Williams have confirmed, that they never solicit payments by phone—this is a clear sign that the calls are indeed a sham.
Citizens are advised to keep guard up when on the receiving end of phone calls asking for money or personal details. The basic rule of thumb the Newbern Police suggests: don’t share any financial or personal info unless you've double-checked the identity of the person on the other end. And if you're hit with one of these calls,
• "Do not provide any information or payment,"
• "Hang up immediately,"
• "Report the call to law enforcement," according to the Newbern Police Department post.
If you've been on the receiving end of this scam, or worry that you might have fallen victim, the police urge you to contact your local law enforcement agency pronto so they can get on the case.
